Christmas Music Lyrics and Piano Chords for "Entre le Boeuf"

Christmas music lyrics and piano chords for "Entre le Boeuf," a very old French carol. You've heard this beautiful carol before - now you can sing or play it too, with decent Christmas carol lyrics. Download a lead sheet or a piano version.

I have read thatEntre le bœuf et l'âne gris" (from the 13th century) is the oldest French carol that is still sung today.

There are two main variations on the melody, some adding extra beats, which you can hear in a few of the arrangements available on Youtube.

My French is "developing," however, the words of this song are pretty straightforward. So I have written a translation that is mostly new and seeks to preserve the real meaning of the French words, while placing stress on the important beats of each measure. I had looked at a lot of English translations and decided none of them were good enough, for those who actually wish to sing in English!

The French itself is beautiful, so I have rounded up several excellent Youtube videos in which the pronunciation can be clearly heard. Here is one:

And here are the Christmas music lyrics and piano chords written out for piano accompaniment:

The literal meaning of "entre" is "between". (That is a sweeter picture than the words I replaced it with, "Here with," but I found the emphasis of "BE-tween" clunky.)

The lyrics for this Christmas piano sheet music are so simple, but transcendent at the same time. Here is the God who cannot be contained by all of the heavens, voluntarily entering TIME and SPACE and becoming one of us, a union of deity and humanity that is beyond understanding. And here in this song, He is a baby, sleeping between farm animals, sleeping between Mary's two arms.

Comments

Do you have a story or even a question about this vocal piece? Share it!

Please note that all comments are moderated, and will not appear until I have approved them. Also, IF YOU ARE ASKING FOR MUSIC THAT IS NOT IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN, YOUR REQUEST WILL BE IGNORED. That's pretty much any music written in the last 75 years...

Your story will appear on a Web page exactly the way you enter it here. You can wrap a word in square brackets to make it appear bold. For example [my story] would show as my story on the Web page containing your story.

TIP: Since most people scan Web pages, include your best thoughts in your first paragraph.

Shanette, US:I just purchased O Holy Nightto use as a duet for Christmas Eve Mass. Thank you so much for this simple, easy to read version as my vocalists are not professional and this music won't be quite so intimidating as other arrangements I have. Your expertise is much appreciated!! Merry Christmas!

April:Thank you so much for all the information and materials! Your site is very thorough and well organized! I am a piano teacher in New Orleans, LA and in the process of putting together my own curriculum and recordings. You have inspired me to make my materials available to all online!

Carrie,Voice and Piano Teacher:This site is FABULOUS. For all the reasons you explain on the site itself--this is exactly what piano teachers need! (I still need to go look at the vocal music). Wow. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Victoria:This website is one of the best things that's ever happened to me. I'm actually a high school student who teaches piano to elementary/middle school students! Only being in high school and not having an actual job makes it difficult to find good, reliable music to give to my students without having to pay for it. But this site is a miracle! Almost everything that I give my students to play comes from this site. The sheet music is clean and clear and I, as well as my kids, love it! Thank you so much for everything that you do. It really means and helps a lot.

Malesa:I just want to say thank you very much for your website. I teach my own daughters how to play the piano, but since I'm not a professional teacher, I sometimes struggle coming up with great pieces for them to play. Your website has been a phenomenal help with a great selection and wonderful tips. Thank you so much for sharing your talents!

Carol: I have tried a lot of your suggestions. However, it's comforting to hear someone suggest the very things I've tried! The Lavender's Blue was a hit with the mentioned student. She memorized it and for a while that's all she wanted to play. Another hit with some students was the Indian Dance... I really appreciate you taking the time to talk with me!

Liz:Hello - I just want to say THANK YOU so much for the duet version of Oh Holy night (in Bb too!), which is great, as I have two students at school that are going to sing this in a concert in 3 weeks. With not much time and no budget, it is so nice to find an arrangement! Thank you.

Charlotte:Thanks for providing such a comprehensive music teaching program with all the relevant tools. It will make it easy to introduce my 8 g-children and others to music. You are truly a blessing.

Victoria:I am a first-time piano teacher and have been combing the internet for resources. Your wonderful site has been an amazing resource for both my students and myself. Thank you so much for the printable scales, chords, and ideas! We are so grateful!